The Update: Michael Bauer returns to Bistro Aix in the Marina. The last time he formally reviewed Jonathan Beard’s Cal-Provencal restaurant was in 2010, when it reopened after a substantial remodel. He renewed its three stars at that point, but this time around, things aren’t quite the same:

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The patio dining area at Bistro Aix on Steiner Street. Photo: The Chronicle

The food is still good, but the exacting skill that made it so compelling in the past was missing, whether it was a first course of undersalted chicory salad ($9) with croutons and carrot shavings in a garlicky anchovy dressing, or a tarte Tatin dessert ($8) that could have used extra time in the oven to brown the pastry … I left feeling a little down. Bistro Aix is still a good neighborhood restaurant that deserves to remain popular, but it’s missing that extra spark that made it special.

Final rating: 2.5 stars

The Review: Downtown Redwood City’s Vesta takes its name from the Roman goddess of the hearth and accordingly, the first-time restaurateurs know how to corral their live fire for pies (which are divided into red and white) and much more:

One bite of Vesta’s pizza, and I was wondering why we ever stopped cooking over fire.The wood-fired oven in the restaurant’s dining room gives the crust a spotty char, lending it a lovely, slightly bitter, smoky edge, and quickly sears the toppings to preserve their flavor and texture.

Final rating: 2.5 stars

Bar Bites: Now 18 months old, downtown Napa’s 1313 Main is sophisticated, through and through. In addition to cheeses and charcuterie to snack on, 1313 Main also has one of the largest by the glass selections of sparkling wines around.

Bargain Bites: Morucci’s in Walnut Creek might look like a standard deli, but its specialty sandwiches draw fans from across the area.

The Inside Scoop: Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, this was the Year in Inside Scoop.